1990s

America’s Top Retailer

1990

Walmart is now the nation's number-one retailer, with annual sales of $32.6 billion.

Bud's Warehouse Outlets

In the early 1990s, the company created a chain of more than 80 Bud’s Warehouse Outlets to sell refurbished name-brand appliances and furniture at deep discounts. The no-frills stores were usually in former Walmart or Sam’s Club buildings.

“Walmart has become the meeting place for area residents in so many of our communities. And it’s our store associates - out there on the front line – who are working so hard to increase our customer base.”

New stores open in California, Nevada, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Utah.

“All of these things: in stock, SWAS, morale, etc. everything is contingent upon associates feeling good about themselves and enjoying their jobs so that they are taking care of our customers in the right way. If we don't achieve this, we'll have higher shrinkage, lower morale and disappointed customers.”

Sam Walton

“Don't be blinded by our own success, our status, our house or the number of cars we own. We've got to support each other and show concern for each other. Remember those wonderful associates in the stores who are doing the real job and how important they are to us all.”

Sam Walton

“We are the target of a lot of aggressive people out there. Why can't weattack our customers with customer service? Exceed their expectations inany way you can. It can be done, folks, but it's gonna' have to happen inHuntsville, AR, Miami, FL, and even now on the West coast. Our associates are our front line strategists.”

Sam Walton

“Listen to your associates. The folks on the front line—the ones who actually talk to the customer—are the only ones who really know what's going on out there.”

Sam Walton

“I would like to be remembered as a good friend … that's important. I have such a strong feeling for the folks in our company. They have meant so much to me.”

Sam Walton

1990

Walmart buys the McLane Company, a leader in worldwide logistics and distribution.

“Why do I drive a pickup truck? What am I supposed to haul my dogs around in, a Rolls-Royce?”

Sam Walton

1992

Expansion continues into Puerto Rico.

1992

Walmart deploys the Retail Link system to strengthen supplier partnerships. The system provides vendors with information on sales trends and inventory levels.

Made in America

In the last year of his life, while battling cancer, Sam Walton turned his attention to writing his story. Published in 1992, his book was an instant success. It was translated into numerous languages, and it circulated to readers around the world.

1992–2008

In 1992, Walmart replaced the hyphen with a star. This logo can still be seen on many of the North American storefronts as Walmart continues to transition hundreds of stores to the newest logo.

President George H. W. Bush presents Sam with the Medal of Freedom. During his acceptance speech, Sam articulates the company's purpose of saving people money so they can live better. Sam calls the award "the highlight of our entire career."

“This thing we've got going with our Company and our people is so gratifying to me that I find it very easy to be enthusiastic about our future and to be optimistic about what we can accomplish together.”

The Volunteerism Always Pays (VAP) program begins. When Walmart associates do volunteer work, Walmart matches their efforts with a contribution to the charity of their choice. By 2008, Walmart volunteer service hours exceed 1 million.

The Missing Children's Network is implemented; information about missing children is posted in all Walmart stores.

1996

Walmart makes Retail Link and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) available via the Internet and begins using the Internet as an application platform.

1996

Walmart and Sam's Club launch online stores.

1996

Brazil associates at a grand opening.

Little Known Sparks

When did Walmart open its first Neighborhood Market: ’90, ’98, or ’06?

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Walmart opened its first Neighborhood Market in 1998.

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1997

Walmart is now the largest private employer in the United States, with 720,000 associates, plus 105,000 international associates.

1997

In Mexico, Walmart acquires the majority stake in Cifra.

1997

Walmart replaces Woolworth on the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

1997

The company celebrates its first $100 billion sales year. Walmart serves 90 million customers per week worldwide.

1998

The company exceeds $100 million in annual charitable contributions.

1998

The Neighborhood Market concept is introduced with three stores in Arkansas. Neighborhood Markets are smaller than Supercenters and offer a quick and convenient shopping experience.

1998

Global expansion continues as Walmart enters Germany and South Korea.

1998

Grand-opening day at a Sam's Club in Mexico.

1999

Walmart is now the largest private employer in the world, with a total of 1,140,000 associates.

“The two most important words I ever wrote were on that first Walmartsign: "Satisfaction Guaranteed." They're still up there, and they have made all the difference.”

Sam Walton

1999

Hank Kaminsky, regionally known and celebrated sculptor, created three busts of Sam. One is at Walmart's Home Office, another is at the Sam Walton School of Business, and this one is displayed at The Walmart Museum. www.HankKaminsky.com